The governor and education commissioner have unveiled their K-12 education reform proposal called the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement, or TISA. While Republican leadership are on board, Democrats are concerned over the timing.
The plan would give schools over $6,800 per pupil. But depending on a student’s individual needs, they could get more. At a press conference at the capitol, Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn used the example of an elementary student to show how extra money would be assigned.
“Student 1 on the left gets the base of $6,860. This student also has a unique learning need maybe she has characteristics of dyslexia,” Schwinn said.
Because of that, the student will get a little more funding. But that’s not all.
“This is a second grader, so she also generates $500 to support her literacy development,” Schwinn explained. “In total, this student generates $8,732 in the formula.”
Democrats say the broad overhaul is rushed. The Senate Education Committee is expected to hold its last meeting in early March. And the bill has no scheduled hearings yet.
Sen. Jeff Yarbro, D-Nashville, thinks there’s not enough time to vet the proposal.
“The real question is: can you genuinely have the serious conversation you need to in the next three weeks?” Yarbro said.
Republican leadership insist it’s a priority and believe they’ll have time to evaluate the governor’s new education spending plan.
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